People w Chronic Medical Problems Needed For Study

People With A Chronic Medical Problems Needed To Take Part
In Research Study

We are about to host a trial on using
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to help people
with chronic medical problems.

The researchers will
shortly be in recruitment phase, looking for out-patients
who meet the criteria for entry to the trial. These
are:

• stable chronic health problem (such as irritable
bowel syndrome; chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension,
cardiac problems; pain etc) • outpatient (able to
travel to the hospital venue)• 20+ years old•
good command of English language• willing to work
co-operatively in a group setting• willing and
physically able to participate in MBSR training and regular
practice, and to keep detailed MBSR practice records•
prepared to complete measures of psychological and physical
health

Perhaps you know of a person who might fit this
profile. It could even be you!

More about MBSRThe
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme was
developed by Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn, a clinical psychologist,
working for the Massachusetts Medical School. There
programme is still offered there almost 30 years later, and
at 260 other hospitals and medical centres worldwide.

The
MBSR research programmes will run over a period of 8 weeks,
with a 2 and ½ hour night class one day a week, and a full
day “retreat” on a weekend. They will be held at the HB
Hospital Education Centre. There will be two groups, one in
August/September and one in October/November.

Research
participants will be involved in various exercises to
develop mindfulness (living in the moment without judgement)
including a lying down relaxation/meditation, meditation
sitting in a chair and simple stretching exercises. In
addition, they will receive education and participate in
discussions about handling difficult emotions, communication
skills, responding versus reacting to stress, healthy
eating, problem solving etc. There is homework too, with
practise between classes. CDs and workbooks are
provided.

Research participants will be asked to complete
questionnaires about their health before they undertake the
MBSR research programme, directly after, and then again six
months later.

Introduction to the research teamThe
research team is made up of the Dr Malcolm Arnold and Dr
Richard Meech who are advisors to the study. In addition,
Jillian Simpson, is a nurse working in primary care, and Tim
Mapel a counsellor and lecturer at EIT. They will offer the
MBSR programme. As the research is being undertaken in
collaboration with EIT, Dr Kay Matthews-Morris, a research
professor there, is the study supervisor. Our own research
nurse Diana Schmid is supporting the study too.This
study has received a grant from the Hawke’s Bay Medical
Research Foundation.

Why do this research?Dr Malcolm
Arnold suggests “this is worthwhile research as there is
only so much help doctors can give some patients from a
medical point of view. Psychological approaches like MBSR
can assist people by giving them better coping
mechanisms.”

And that’s basically what the MBSR
programme is about, helping people help themselves. It has a
good track record at doing this overseas with many people
finding their symptoms improve. However MBSR has not been
used within the NZ health system and only one other study
has been done in New Zealand at Waikato Hospital a couple of
years ago. Our study in Hawke’s Bay is replicating this
research.

Need more information or want to refer someone
to the study?You will see posters going up around the
place about the study. Information sheets for would-be
participants will be available through Villa
6.

Co-researchers Jillian Simpson and Tim Mapel can also
be contacted for further information and will take the names
of people interested in taking part in the
research.

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